Angelina’s Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This inventive alt-pop gem is a bright and exuberant declaration of love for this artist’s faith in Jesus. It’s a really fun way to approach sharing about what’s important to him, but it’s also really subtle — so it’s still great for anyone looking for positive vibes to add to their playlist, regardless of whether or not they ascribe to any particular faith or not. I really liked the anthemic lead guitar and the way it blends with the tastefully fuzzed-out vocals. Some tasteful palm-muted guitar leads the way into the final chorus after the bridge, leaving listeners with a smile on their face.
Just a Friend by Nicole Alexis
I really enjoyed this acoustic guitar-driven track with all the emo and pop-punk sensibilities that you know and love. Her vocal style reminded me of pop singer Cali Rodi, and the message behind falling in love with someone who’s determined not to return your feelings is something most people can relate to. A swampy electric guitar adds to the ambience before the final chorus when everything picks up again. “All of this mess between us / makes it so easy to forget / that I want you but you’re just a friend” is just a taste of the insightful lyrics that outline this particularly tricky emotional struggle.
Lexie LaPlante
This song gave me chills. This artist actually shared her new song with Dolly Parton’s management, who actually shared it with the legend herself. Then the rest was history — the song all about Jolene got a heartbreaking part two for the next generation, complete with the original songstress’s vocals as the icing on the cake. Whether you need a reminder to watch out for Jolene and her children, or just want a nostalgic generational update on a hit song from the ‘70s, this song is just the thing you’ve been looking for.
Landmines (feat: Letdown) by Lauren Presley
This alt-rock track has a gritty vibe mixed with real emotion centered around still feeling attached to someone that you know isn’t good for you. I absolutely loved the way the lyrics connected this troubling pattern in a relationship to landmines (hence the clever title). Both vocalists complimented each other beautifully, playing the part of both speakers. If you grew up on bands like Paramore or Flyleaf, this song is just the thing to add to your angsty emo heartache playlist.
Ain’t It Sweet by Margot Perkinson
For a brighter track that reminds you of your first love (no matter how immature they were), this one is just the thing. “I’ll play guitar while you stare blindly at the stars” is a great line that really showcases the lyrical prowess of this young artist. She clearly shows that she’s mature well past her years, as she thinks about the manipulation tactics that used to work on her before she grew out of her own naive patterns. Whether or not you see yourself in this track, you’ll find a story that you can relate to as you enjoy the driving drum beats and smooth ballad guitar leading the way.
Right from the beginning, this one reminded me of music by Phoebe Bridgers, mixed with perhaps a bit of Sheryl Crow — both in the no-nonsense tone of the vocal style, as well as the to-the-point lyrics. It’s surprisingly positive despite the fact that the speaker is getting over a previous relationship. I enjoyed the guitar licks and the smooth dynamics that illustrate the emotional ups-and-downs of getting over someone. This one is so radio-ready, I have no doubt that it’s going to be stuck in your head once you listen to it once.
Young Taylor Swift meets Carrie Underwood in this delectable teenage-worthy love song about relationships no matter how experienced the speaker is when it comes to love. “I don’t need the highest highs / lowest lows / I need something that feels like comin’ home” is at the center of the message, with a young artist who knows what she needs (and most importantly, what she doesn’t need). And that’s something to celebrate as light guitar articulations ebb and flow along the catchy lyrics. Enjoy this one with a glass of lemonade on the porch while thinking of your crush.